USDA’s Small Business Innovation Research Competitive Grants Program Highlights and Overview
Description: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) invites science-based small business firms to submit research applications to the “Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) . This workshop will provide an overview of the USDA SBIR program, eligibility requirements, and some helpful hints to improve the probability of success for proposals submitted to the program. The individuals at the workshop will also have an opportunity to actively engage with a National Program Leader who manages the Food Science and Nutrition priority area.
Strengthening Local Food Systems with USDA Support
Description: This workshop will serve as an introduction to a wide range of grants, programs, resources and services available through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). AMS has a long history of working with small, mid-sized, and underserved farmers and ranchers and providing them with the technical and financial support needed to develop and strengthen their businesses. From grants that finance the creation of farmers markets to a cost-share program that assists farmers with getting organic certification to Market News reports, AMS has a multitude of services available to meet a variety of needs.
Renewable Energy/ Rural energy for American Program (REAP)
Description:
The USDA recognizes that renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation programs provide opportunities for economic growth and prosperity in rural America. Additionally, energy conservation plays an important role in the production of food and other consumable products impacting the producer and market costs, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and resource conservation. The Rural Energy for America (REAP)provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in rural America to purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems; make energy efficiency improvements to non-residential buildings and facilities; use renewable technologies that reduce energy consumption; and participate in energy audits and renewable energy development assistance.